Trail running in Gran Canaria

Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Wikimedia Commons

2 hours – 3 days

Why go

Gran Canaria crams a continent of relief into short distances, from Roque Nublo's monolith to slot canyons and the Maspalomas sand. It is a runner's island, and the famous race crosses it coast to coast.

When

In season: Oct–May · Peak: Nov–Mar

Who it’s for

Skill

Intermediate–Advanced

Effort

Moderate

Suitable from

14+ · Teen+

Crowds

Quiet

Cost

What to expect

Steep, technical, rocky trails with big vertical and little shade; the full island crossing is a serious mountain ultra. Winter is the season, when the interior is cool and clear.

Routes

What the difficulty bands mean

easy: Accessible with basic fitness; no technical skills or exposure.
moderate: Sustained effort or some exposure; comfort on the terrain expected.
hard: Long, technical or serious — experience and the right conditions required.

Presa de las Niñas loop
easy
Pine forest and reservoir, the easy runnable one
12 km400 m ascent2 hours
Roque Nublo circuit
moderate
The island's landmark monolith, from Tejeda
16 km900 m ascent3 hours
Barranco de las Vacas and Guayadeque
moderate
Slot canyons and cave houses in the dry east
18 km700 m ascent3.5 hours
Transgrancanaria route, Agaete to Maspalomas
hard
The island crossing the race follows, north coast to dunes
125 km8,000 m ascent3 days

How to start

Fly to Las Palmas and base in Tejeda for the mountains or Maspalomas for the south. Start early, carry water, and pick shorter loops before attempting the crossing.